Rushaga Sector-The only place in Uganda for Gorilla Habituation Experience

Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, situated in the southwestern rugged region, is renowned for being one of the two mountain gorilla habitats worldwide. This rainforest reserve safeguards nearly half of the global mountain gorilla population, with around 200 gorillas fully habituated for both tourism and research. The park spans an expansive 331 sq km (127 sq mi) of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a vast area that is subdivided into four sectors for easier access: Buhoma, Ruhija, Nkuringo, and Rushaga.

Rushaga’s Idyllic Setting

Rushaga, located 18 km (11 mi) away from Nkuringo, stands out as a captivating sector within the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Perched on a hill, it offers breathtaking views of the rugged rift valley landscapes and the majestic Virunga Mountains. The scenic beauty of this area, resembling something out of a storybook, is a compelling reason for tourists to explore this part of the country.

Gorilla Groups in Rushaga Sector

Rushaga Sector boasts a total of eight gorilla groups available for gorilla trekking, with an additional two reserved for research and habituation experiences. Notably, Rushaga has more fully habituated gorilla groups than any other sector in Bwindi, making it a hotspot for those seeking an immersive gorilla encounter. When obtaining a gorilla permit for the Rushaga trailhead, the specific gorilla group to be tracked is not predetermined. Instead, during the briefing at the sector’s UWA trailhead office, visitors are assigned a gorilla group based on their physical ability.

Here is a detailed overview of the gorilla groups in the Rushaga sector:

Nshongi Gorilla Family — 8 Members

The Nshongi gorilla group, fully habituated in the Rushaga sector, is led by the dominant Silverback Bweza. Originally a larger group with 34 members, including several males, intra-male rivalry led to dispersals and fissions. Presently, the Nshongi family comprises 8 members: 1 Silverback, 1 Blackback, 3 Adult females, 1 Sub-adult, and 2 Infants. Named after the Nshongi River, this group offers daily gorilla trekking excursions in the southern section of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

Mishaya Gorilla Family — 10 Members

Formed in July 2010 from the Shongi group, the Mishaya gorilla family experienced a significant change when its dominant Silverback, Mishaya, passed away in 2014. Silverback “Tinfayo” now leads the group, rediscovered in May 2018, with 10 members: 1 Silverback, 1 Blackback, 4 Adult females, 1 Sub-adult female, and 3 Infants. Known for Tinfayo’s unconcerned demeanor, Mishaya is the latest addition to the Rushaga sector’s gorilla groups available for daily trekking.

Busingye Gorilla Family — 12 Members

Founded by dominant Silverback Busingye, this fully habituated gorilla group is available for trekking in the Rushaga sector. Despite its name meaning ‘peaceful,’ Busingye has been observed leading brutal attacks on other gorilla families to expand his group. With 12 members, including 1 Silverback, 1 Blackback, 5 Adult females, 3 Juveniles, and 2 Infants, Busingye’s family is entertaining to watch in Rushaga.

Bweza Gorilla Family — 11 Members

Led by dominant Silverback Kakono, the Bweza gorilla group originated from members of the Shongi family. Known for foraging on community land adjacent to the park, the Bweza group comprises 11 members: 3 Silverbacks, 4 Adult females, 1 Juvenile, and 3 Infants. A manageable group for trekking, only six tourists are allowed to visit per day, spending one hour with the gorillas at a safe distance.

Kahungye Gorilla Family — 13 Members

Dominated by Silverback Ruziika, the Kahungye gorilla family consists of 13 members, making it one of the larger groups in Rushaga. Historically, gorilla groups like Kahungye may not stay large for long, as Silverbacks prefer starting their troops at maturity, leading to fissions.

Bikingi Gorilla Family — 10 Members

Originally led by Silverback Bikingi, who unfortunately died in 2018, the Bikingi gorilla family is now headed by an unnamed silverback. The group has 10 members, including 1 Silverback, 1 Blackback, 4 Adult females, 2 Juveniles, and 2 Infants. Bikingi’s habituation process started in 2012, with members from the disintegrated Mishaya group, and is available for trekking in the Rushaga sector.

Mucunguzi Gorilla Family — 12 Members

Named after its dominant male, Silverback Mucunguzi, meaning ‘redeemer,’ this gorilla family comprises 12 members. Mucunguzi left the Bweza family to form his own after attacking the Bikingi gorilla family and snatching away females.This family is open for gorilla trekking in the Rushaga sector.

Rwiigi Gorilla Family — 10 Members

A new troop formed from a separation from the Kahungye gorilla family, Rwiigi is closely monitored by UWA. Comprising 10 members, including 1 Silverback, 5 Adult females, 2 Juveniles, and 2 Infants, Rwiigi is available for gorilla trekking in the Rushaga sector.

Gorilla Trekking in Rushaga Sector

Gorilla trekking in the Rushaga sector is an exciting adventure that begins at the head office, where tourists receive briefings and gorilla group allocations. Before embarking on this thrilling journey, obtaining a gorilla permit is a must. The Rushaga sector boasts eight gorilla families available for trekking, with a daily limit of 64 permits. The permit costs $800 for foreign non-residents, $700 for foreign residents, and 300,000 Uganda Shillings for East African nationals.

The trek starts at the Rushaga trailhead, with each group of eight tourists guided by a UWA (Uganda Wildlife Authority) guide, armed rangers for security, and an expert tracker. The trek involves navigating through the misty jungle, with guests required to wear facemasks, maintain physical distance, and disinfect their shoes and hands. COVID-19 testing is mandatory, and visitors feeling unwell are advised to stay away.

The trek itself is a mesmerizing journey through thick vegetation, guided by the sounds and communication between the guide and rangers. The gorillas, habituated to human presence, are often found engaged in various activities like eating, napping, or playful interactions. Observing the gorillas is a unique and awe-inspiring experience, and visitors are urged to follow certain rules to ensure the safety and well-being of both parties.

Rules for Gorilla Trekking in Rushaga Sector

1. Limited Visit Duration: The visit should not exceed one hour to avoid disturbing the gorillas.
2. Safe Distance: Visitors must maintain a safe distance of 32 feet (10 meters) from the gorillas, following the guide’s instructions.
3. No Flash Photography: Flash photography is prohibited as it can upset the gorillas.
4. No Eating Near Gorillas: Visitors are not allowed to eat in close proximity to the gorillas.
5. Silverback Encounters: In the presence of a silverback, visitors should not panic or run; instead, follow the guide’s instructions.

After spending quality time with the gorillas, visitors gradually move away from the troop, retracing their steps back to the trailhead. It’s emphasized to leave no litter behind and maintain the pristine environment of the forest.

Gorilla Habituation Experience in Rushaga

For a more immersive encounter with Rushaga’s gorillas, tourists can opt for the exclusive Gorilla Habituation Experience. This unique opportunity allows visitors to spend up to four hours with the gorillas, observing their natural behaviors at a more relaxed pace. Unlike traditional gorilla trekking, the habituation experience provides a deeper connection and a chance for photographers to capture incredible shots in a challenging wild setting. Rushaga is the only trailhead in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park that offers the Gorilla Habituation Experience. Only two gorilla groups are reserved for research and habituation experiences in this sector.

The Experience

Highly trained trackers and guides lead tourists into the jungle early in the morning, following gorilla spoor and clues left by the primates. The search begins by locating gorilla nests from the previous night, and due to the early start, tourists often encounter the gorillas shortly after finding the nests. Gorillas build new nests each night, and infants share with their mothers if they are too young to construct their own.

Approaching the gorilla family requires caution, especially with the dominant silverback. Guides instruct tourists on using non-threatening body language to put the silverback at ease. The goal is to allow the silverback to assert dominance, leading to a more relaxed atmosphere for both gorillas and visitors. The habituation process involves spending considerable time with the gorillas until they become entirely comfortable with human presence.

Habituation Permit

Participating in the Gorilla Habituation Experience requires a special permit, priced at $1,500 per person. These permits are exclusive to the Rushaga sector, and despite the high cost, the experience is deemed worthwhile. Foreign residents receive a discount, paying $1,000, while East African nationals pay 750,000 Uganda Shillings. The age limit for habituation is above 15 years.

Permits can be obtained from the UWA office or licensed tour operators. Despite the high cost, the unique and extended experience justifies the price, especially when compared to the cost of gorilla trekking in neighboring Rwanda.

Gorilla Trekking Vs. Habituation Experience

Comparing gorilla trekking with the habituation experience reveals distinct differences, as each encounter with gorillas is unique. Daily variables such as gorilla behavior, location, and weather contribute to the distinctiveness of each experience.

During gorilla trekking, visitors typically spend one hour with fully habituated gorillas. In contrast, the habituation experience allows for four hours with the wild mountain gorillas. The group size is also different, with up to eight tourists allowed in a gorilla trekking group and only four in a habituation experience group. This smaller group size enhances the privacy and intimacy of the jungle experience.

Combining Gorilla Trekking and Habituation Experience

UWA permits tourists to book both gorilla trekking and habituation permits on different days during the same Uganda gorilla safari. Both activities commence early in the morning, offering flexibility for tourists to enjoy both experiences. This allows for a comprehensive exploration of the gorillas’ natural habitat and behaviors.

Other Activities in Rushaga

After the exhilarating experience of trekking mountain gorillas in the Rushaga area, there are various additional activities to engage in, offering a diverse range of cultural, natural, and adventurous experiences.

Meet the Batwa Forest People (3-5 hrs)

Discover the fascinating history and culture of the Batwa people, who once lived in the Bwindi forest for centuries before conservation efforts displaced them. The Batwa now reside in villages near Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, offering tours to showcase their cultural sites and values. Dive into their traditional practices, beliefs, and interactions with the forest, gaining insights into their deep connection to the natural world. A Batwa elder will guide you through forest myths, taboos, and folklore, allowing you to visit a homestead, participate in their music and dance, taste their traditional beer, and even learn some of their language.

Walking Trails (2-6 hrs)

Embark on two engaging trails in the Rushaga sector: the Kara Ridge Trail and the Kapata Trail. The Kara Ridge Trail provides picturesque landscapes with sweeping views, perfect for photography. On the other hand, the 3-hour Kapata Trail offers a more relaxed walk through a village homestead, showcasing agriculture, plant species, and a honey farm. For nature enthusiasts, explore trails around Nkuringo, Buhoma, Lake Mutanda, and Lake Bunyonyi islands, offering diverse landscapes and wildlife experiences. Enjoy a canoe ride on Lake Mutanda or explore the attractions around Lake Bunyonyi.

Bird Watching in Rushaga (2-6 hrs)

Rushaga is a birding paradise, with over 350 species flying through and above the Bwindi forest canopy. Join an expert guide on a 2-3 hour birding excursion, discovering the rich avian life in the region. Traverse winding trails through ancient jungle, lush forests, and marshes, leading to enchanting waterfalls. Keep an eye out for unique bird species such as the White-tailed Ant Thrush, Black Bee-eater, Yellow-eyed Black, African Sooty Flycatchers, Short-tailed Warbler, Blue-headed Sunbird, and the African Green Broadbill. The birding experience is enhanced by the soothing sounds of cascading falls and vibrant bird chatter.

Best Time to Go

While Rushaga is open for gorilla trekking year-round, the optimal times are from June to August and December to February. These periods offer drier jungle trails, reducing the chances of getting wet during gorilla viewing and providing better photographic opportunities. However, note that these months are peak seasons, so it’s advisable to book gorilla permits well in advance. During the wet seasons of March, April, May, October, and November, road conditions may be challenging, but improved infrastructure allows moderate 4×4 vehicles to navigate the area.

What to Carry in Rushaga

Given Rushaga’s location in Uganda’s wet tropical region, packing accordingly is crucial. Essential items include waterproof walking boots, a poncho or light rain jacket, long-sleeved shirts and trousers for protection, a warm sweater for cold evenings, insect repellent, N95 face masks for gorilla trekking, and a light backpack with energy bars and water. It’s important to pack light for comfortable walking during extended expeditions.

Where to Stay in Rushaga Sector

Choose from quality luxury accommodations or budget-friendly options around the Rushaga sector. Notable luxury options include Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Mutanda Lake Resort, and Chameleon Hill Lodge. Budget accommodations like Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Gorilla Valley Lodge, Nshongi Camp, Gorilla Safari Lodge, Wagtail Eco Safari Camp, Bwindi Jungle Lodge, and Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge offer comfortable stays at more affordable rates.

How to get to Rushaga

Rushaga sector is situated on the southern border of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, close to the DRC border. Travelers can reach Rushaga by road or air, with several routes available.

By Road:

• Entebbe – Kabale – Rushaga: The easiest road route covers 497 km, with a 10-hour drive via Kabale and a 38-km dirt road from Muko.
• Entebbe – Kisoro – Mutanda – Nkuringo: A longer route of 527 km, passing through Kabale and Kisoro, with a 34-km dirt road to Rushaga.

By Air:

• The quickest air transfer is to Kisoro Airport (34 km away), with daily flights from Entebbe operated by Aerolink.
• An alternative airport is Kihihi (125 km away), which takes about four hours to reach by road.

Walking/Hiking:

• Consider walking trails from Buhoma to Nkuringo or the Kisoro-Mutanda-Rushaga village walking trail for a more adventurous journey.